Its been a wild 24 hours for U.S. Rep. Trey Radel, R-Fla., who was arrested Oct. 29 for possession of cocaine in Washington, D.C. Word of Radels arrest hit the press on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the Republican congressman pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges and later that evening announced he would be taking a leave of absence from Congress.
Sometimes in life you need a wake-up call. This is my wake-up call, said Radel, after he told reporters about his leave of absence from the House of Representatives.
Radel also told reporters he would be going through inpatient treatment to treat his alcoholism, although he did not specifically mention drugs or cocaine during his remarks.
Im struggling with this disease, but I can overcome it, Radel said, speaking in Cape Coral.
Radel said he would be donating his salary to charity while he's away from Congress.
It all started at the end of October when Radel bought 3.5 grams of cocaine from an acquaintance and an undercover agent in Washingtons Dupont Circle. Court documents said Radel gave the undercover officer $250 for the drug outside of a restaurant, and the two got into the officer's vehicle, where the officer gave Radel the cocaine.
Federal agents then approached Radel after he left the vehicle, and he dropped the cocaine to the street, according to court documents.
The court documents said the freshman Republican congressman also gave the agents cocaine he had in his apartment.
Radel pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to a year of probation.
"I've hit a bottom where I realize I need help," Radel told a judge Wednesday. He said he would seek treatment for alcoholism in Naples, Fla.
Radel has served Floridas 19th Congressional District for less than a year. He won the 2012 election against Democrat Jim Roach with 63 percent of the districts vote and was sworn into office in January.
The Republicans run-in with the law had sharks circling -- even his hometown newspaper said he should resign from his position in the House.
The Florida Democratic Party also called for Radel to step down from his position. Executive director of the FDP,Scott Arceneaux, called the Fort Myers congressman an embarrassment to his district and to the state of Florida.
Ultimately, Radel decided to opt for a leave of absence rather than step down from his job.Radel did not specify how long he would be in rehab or when he would return to Congress.
